Firefighters 'stache' the cash for cancer research

PORTSMOUTH — Local firefighters are sporting mustaches of all shapes and sizes this month to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Charles McMahon

PORTSMOUTH — Local firefighters are sporting mustaches of all shapes and sizes this month to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

The "Movember" effort involves firefighters working to cultivate the facial hair while soliciting donations from throughout the community. Team captain and Portsmouth firefighter Russell Osgood said there are 13 local firefighters on his team.

"Movember is a part of a worldwide effort, where throughout November, men, and women if they choose, grow a mustache in an effort to bring awareness to men's cancer issues, predominantly testicular and prostate," Osgood said. "We are not only raising awareness, but funding for research and support for those diagnosed with cancer."

Osgood said the team — NH Bros and Mo's — features 57 firefighters from cities and towns all over the state, including Manchester, Dover, Exeter, Londonderry, Salem, Northwood, Nashua and Canterbury. Firefighters from Portland and Kittery, Maine, are also on board with the effort.

"We have 57 registered with Movember, but there are many more just growing their 'stache along with the team," Osgood said.

City firefighter Brian Ryll is thus far the top earner in the effort, followed by fellow Portsmouth firefighter Steve Morse and Dover firefighter Mike McShane.

"We are having fun with the campaign," Ryll said. "Some of the guys have nice, full 'staches and others, well, they are kind of weak. But that's what makes it so much fun."

In total, the team has raised nearly $5,000.

Local firefighter John Gray is helping to organize the finale bash for the team on Nov. 30 at the Thirsty Moose Tap House on Congress Street. "We wanted to have a celebration at the end to remember the members we lost to cancer and to bring together the great group of folks making this so successful," Gray said.

Events will kick off at 7 p.m. with a live auction of mustaches. "We are auctioning off mustaches in a shave-it-now or keep-it-to-Christmas auction," Gray said.

Local comedian Juston McKinney will be on hand as the master of ceremonies for the auction. Employees from Hair Excitement will attend to clean off the mustaches, should the winners choose that option.

Along with the auction, the finale will feature prizes given to team members, including awards for the "most money raised, best 'stache and lamest attempt."

The night will also feature entertainment from local band Bad Prom Date, starting at 9 p.m. The event is open to all and is free of charge; firefighters ask is that people make a donation at the door for the Movember campaign. Donations for the team effort can be made at http://us.movember.com/team/422929, or you can choose your favorite team member and donate to them.

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